Which top 10 fantasy RB has only three 60+ rushing performances this
season? That kicks off today’s segment
of overrated and underrated Week 15 RBs.
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Now, back to the show.
Overrated:
Latavius Murray (#8 Week 15 RB, per 76 experts compiled by Fantasy
Pros) is the answer to that question.
After crossing that threshold eight time last year, Oakland’s lead back
is on pace to do it only four times in 2016.
What gives? Well, he’s tied for
fourth among RBs with 12 TDs despite earning only 17 touches per game. The boom-bust back has been on the boom track
most games, but will face a tough test in San Diego Sunday. While the Chargers have given up a sizable 17
rushing TDs, their 3.7 YPC mark is fifth best in the NFL, and they’re giving up
only 91.9 yards per game (seventh best).
Murray’s TD dependence will be on display; if he fails to reach the end
zone, he won’t clear six fantasy points.
Jay Ajayi (#11 RB) has tailed off sharply since his three-game midseason
breakout. Who can blame him? His offensive line has been battered, while defenses
have adjusted. And his Week 15 road matchup
against the Jets comes at the worst time—when many fantasy managers are counting
on him to be at least a top 16 RB. He
won’t be. Expect plenty of volume and
not much else as Matt Moore and company struggle to sustain drives.
Underrated:
Tevin Coleman (#19 RB) isn’t getting enough love with his backfield
partner, Devonta Freeman (#6 RB) soaking up prognosticators’ attention. Coleman is a top 12 RB this weekend against a
San Francisco run defense that’s yielding more rushing yards per game (170.8)
than all but two teams in the past 15 seasons (the 2006 Colts and 2008 Lions,
both of which were only a couple of yards worse).
Mike Gillislee (#32 RB) is a no-brainer dart throw against
Cleveland. He had been a consistent 10+
touch guy until last week’s letdown (only two touches, which happened to go for
34 yards). Arguably the league’s most
efficient running back, Gillislee has the matchup and talent to help any
desperate fantasy manager.
Either Theo Riddick (#33 RB) or Dwayne Washington (#40) will be an
absolute steal this week. If Riddick is declared
healthy, he’s a safe RB2 given his prominent passing game role. If Riddick sits, Washington should earn 15+
touches as a competent RB3/flex option.
Those seeking options in very deep leagues could target teammates Christine
Michael (#49) or Ty Montgomery (#52).
Freezing Chicago temperatures and Aaron Rodgers’ lingering injuries could
force Green Bay to focus more on a now-capable running game. There’s a lot of risk here, because who knows
how that backfield will shake out. But
their rankings aren’t in line with their solid RB3 potential.